News and views from the award-winning author of the novels The Skinny Years, America Libre, House Divided and Pancho Land

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

New Haven lives up to its name

City officials in New Haven, Connecticut have taken a bold step to head off crime in their city. They are issuing a municipal ID card that will be available to anyone – regardless of residency status. In effect, this gives undocumented workers the necessary identification to open a bank account and reduce the chances of theft against a group widely known to carry large amounts of cash. Two local banks have agreed to participate in this new program. Let’s hope this humane and brave act agreed upon by 25 of the New Haven’s 26 city officials will serve as a beacon of reason in the smog of prejudice that has descended on many parts of the nation.

Raul Ramos y Sanchez